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Hi, all - I'll be starting at the IRS in DC soon and I was wondering if anyone has any advice for me. I definitely want to work in tax.. I guess general Federal Gov't advice would come into play here and I'll definitely search for that but if anyone has some insight to share I'd be very appreciative. Thanks!

i started a thread similar to the "tips for SA" but not a lot of people responded, however there's some good advice in there. I know people did split summers with DOJ and other big fed. agencies so hopefully more people help out with advice

SPE155 wrote:Don't want to really change the subject, but I'm a 0L who intends to pursue tax as well.

I've looked at the IRS for future SA and am curious if one is better off pursuing a summer with IRS or a firm. Which will better position you for future tax law jobs in the private sector?

OP here - I think the consensus is if you want firms, get a summer position at a firm. While I'm thrilled to have this job for the summer it isn't vesting like summer associate positions are.

The value is more experiential and "networking" I guess - I can update this thread as the summer progresses if people are curious about this. BUT SPE I will say that if you want private sector work in the private sector your 2L year if you can.

Had my first day today - sat in on a couple of meetings about the projects I'll be working on. I get the sense that IRS (and probably most agencies) are way understaffed so they need us to do substantive work. The people I have met are hilarious and friendly and the best part.. I can be on whatever schedule I want! I'm going to do 7:30 to 4:00 I think to avoid both morning and evening rush hour.

Things that suck - typical things you'd expect from big fed. I had to go to two different buildings to get an ID card, and then a separate access card for our building and offices. My gov't computer isn't in yet so I can't get down to serious business for a couple of days, but based on my (very) limited experience I think it's going to be a great time.

Anonymous User wrote:Had my first day today - sat in on a couple of meetings about the projects I'll be working on. I get the sense that IRS (and probably most agencies) are way understaffed so they need us to do substantive work. The people I have met are hilarious and friendly and the best part.. I can be on whatever schedule I want! I'm going to do 7:30 to 4:00 I think to avoid both morning and evening rush hour.

Things that suck - typical things you'd expect from big fed. I had to go to two different buildings to get an ID card, and then a separate access card for our building and offices. My gov't computer isn't in yet so I can't get down to serious business for a couple of days, but based on my (very) limited experience I think it's going to be a great time.

I'm a 1L, started at the IRS today and had a similar experience. Although I finally got my computer up and running by noon, my phone still doesn't even have a cable... or anywhere to plug it in to. Haha.

I get the same feeling about being understaffed. I've already started looking at some real work (and I do mean real work). I think this summer should be pretty good experience.

Anonymous User wrote:Had my first day today - sat in on a couple of meetings about the projects I'll be working on. I get the sense that IRS (and probably most agencies) are way understaffed so they need us to do substantive work. The people I have met are hilarious and friendly and the best part.. I can be on whatever schedule I want! I'm going to do 7:30 to 4:00 I think to avoid both morning and evening rush hour.

Things that suck - typical things you'd expect from big fed. I had to go to two different buildings to get an ID card, and then a separate access card for our building and offices. My gov't computer isn't in yet so I can't get down to serious business for a couple of days, but based on my (very) limited experience I think it's going to be a great time.

I'm a 1L, started at the IRS today and had a similar experience. Although I finally got my computer up and running by noon, my phone still doesn't even have a cable... or anywhere to plug it in to. Haha.

I get the same feeling about being understaffed. I've already started looking at some real work (and I do mean real work). I think this summer should be pretty good experience.

Just curious what process you went through to get the summer position with IRS as a 1L. Can you elaborate a bit for me? Its something I think would be great if I could get experience like this as a 1L.

Anonymous User wrote:Had my first day today - sat in on a couple of meetings about the projects I'll be working on. I get the sense that IRS (and probably most agencies) are way understaffed so they need us to do substantive work. The people I have met are hilarious and friendly and the best part.. I can be on whatever schedule I want! I'm going to do 7:30 to 4:00 I think to avoid both morning and evening rush hour.

Things that suck - typical things you'd expect from big fed. I had to go to two different buildings to get an ID card, and then a separate access card for our building and offices. My gov't computer isn't in yet so I can't get down to serious business for a couple of days, but based on my (very) limited experience I think it's going to be a great time.

I'm a 1L, started at the IRS today and had a similar experience. Although I finally got my computer up and running by noon, my phone still doesn't even have a cable... or anywhere to plug it in to. Haha.

I get the same feeling about being understaffed. I've already started looking at some real work (and I do mean real work). I think this summer should be pretty good experience.

Just curious what process you went through to get the summer position with IRS as a 1L. Can you elaborate a bit for me? Its something I think would be great if I could get experience like this as a 1L.

Sure, it's called something like their Summer Legal Externship Program. Something like that. Basically I applied through their website and gave my preferences. Then your app gets put into some system where different offices can look at it. I got a call from both the main office in DC and a field office in DC. I have some experience in tax and accounting, but not terribly extensive and I'm at CCN. Hopefully that's some info you can find helpful. Feel free to ask other questions and I can PM you if you would like.

Anonymous User wrote:Had my first day today - sat in on a couple of meetings about the projects I'll be working on. I get the sense that IRS (and probably most agencies) are way understaffed so they need us to do substantive work. The people I have met are hilarious and friendly and the best part.. I can be on whatever schedule I want! I'm going to do 7:30 to 4:00 I think to avoid both morning and evening rush hour.

Things that suck - typical things you'd expect from big fed. I had to go to two different buildings to get an ID card, and then a separate access card for our building and offices. My gov't computer isn't in yet so I can't get down to serious business for a couple of days, but based on my (very) limited experience I think it's going to be a great time.

I'm a 1L, started at the IRS today and had a similar experience. Although I finally got my computer up and running by noon, my phone still doesn't even have a cable... or anywhere to plug it in to. Haha.

I get the same feeling about being understaffed. I've already started looking at some real work (and I do mean real work). I think this summer should be pretty good experience.

Just curious what process you went through to get the summer position with IRS as a 1L. Can you elaborate a bit for me? Its something I think would be great if I could get experience like this as a 1L.

Sure, it's called something like their Summer Legal Externship Program. Something like that. Basically I applied through their website and gave my preferences. Then your app gets put into some system where different offices can look at it. I got a call from both the main office in DC and a field office in DC. I have some experience in tax and accounting, but not terribly extensive and I'm at CCN. Hopefully that's some info you can find helpful. Feel free to ask other questions and I can PM you if you would like.

Yeah, a PM would be great. Can you tell me a little more about how competitive you were for the position (top 10%, 30%, median, etc.)? I'll be starting at W&L this fall, planning on focusing in tax. I also have some accounting experience.